Camp Creek Route

From the road end, the route passes through thick rainforest until it reaches Camp Creek. It then continues up the creek bed before climbing steeply up a side creek. It then follows a ridge, before levelling out and sidling around the hill, high above the creek.

The route crosses the creek shortly before reaching Camp Creek Hut (up a short side-track).

It is then a very steep climb onto the tops before following a marked track along a ridge to a high point at 1795 m. Spectacular 360-degree views reward trampers after a long and steep climb.

For experienced parties, the summit of Mount Alexander can be reached by continuing along the ridge for a further 2 km of very steep and exposed rock scrambling.

Be careful of slips: There are a number of difficult to navigate slips between the road end and Camp Creek Hut. Extreme caution is advised when crossing these sections.

Camp Creek Hut

The route starts approximately 19 km south of Moana (towards Christchurch) on the Lake Brunner Road between Inchbonnie and Rotomanu, just north of Lake Poerua.

The turnoff from the road and carpark are both signposted.

Experience in the alpine environment is needed to get to point 1795 m. To get to the Mount Alexander summit, confidence with heights and rock scrambling skills are essential. This section would be very dangerous in winter with a bit of snow around.

Parts of this route involve crossing swiftly flowing alpine creeks which can rise quickly and become impassable in wet weather. A good knowledge of river crossing is essential.

Parties should be experienced and self-contained with cookers and a tent/tent fly in case of delays. Maps and a compass are essential.